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Auckland Airport (AKL)
The first place you will probably see when coming to New Zealand is Auckland International Airport, the countries largest and busiest airport which was officially opened in January 1966.
The main international terminal building was named after Jean Gardner Batten CBE, a pioneer New Zealand aviator in the '20s and '30s.
Famous among other flying achievements for her 1934 solo flight from England to Australia the first by anyone, male or female. Auckland International ArrivalsAfter landing you'll have to queue for passport control which can take around 45 minutes to get the stamp in your passport. Afterwards you'll collect your luggage and clear customs in the immigration arrival hall.
Make sure you declare everything to customs and MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) as there are strict regulations concerning the import of natural products such as food, animal products, wood and basketwork. If in doubt, go through the red channel and ask, the fine is heavy if you're caught importing illegal goods. When we first arrived we asked about baby food in unopened jars and baby formula in an opened box, neither of which was a problem.
Transfers
Getting into Auckland CityAuckland International Airport is Located 21 km (14 miles) south-west of the city of Auckland in the suburb of Mangere and as there is no train service you are going to have to find another way to get there.
Auckland Airbus
One of the cheapest ways to reach the City is the Auckland Airbus which operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year and leaves every 20 minutes (30 minutes after 6 pm) from 6 am to 10 pm. The journey takes between 45mins and 1 hour depending on the traffic. When returning to Auckland Airport the first bus departs the City at 4:35 am and the last bus leaves at 8:50 pm. Auckland Air Bus runs a continuous circuit between the Airport and the City, stopping at most major hotels on the way and there's plenty of room on board for all your luggage.
Naked Bus Company
Another excellent bus company well worth considering is the Naked Bus Co. This has got to be the cheapest way of getting into the city and also for getting around New Zealand. Go check it out for yourself.
If you've used this service or any other one and want to comment please write to us and tell us about your experience.
Supershuttle
A more convenient way to reach your destination is the Supershuttle, a mini bus with a trailer that can carry up to 11 passengers and all your luggage. You'll find Supershuttle just outside Auckland Airport Terminal exit. The cost is NZ$20 plus NZ$7 for each additional person so for a family or group it's the cheapest way into the Auckland City centre.
For your return trip call in advance or book on line and they will pick you up from your door and take you directly to the airport.
Taxi Taxis are readily available from the taxi rank in front of the terminals and will cost you from around NZ$50 to the city. Of course this is per trip so if there are 3 or 4 of you it's still pretty good value.
Hire Car All the usual car hire companies are available at Auckland Airport, just go to the desk and book. If you don't need a car straight away it may be better to get yourself to where your staying and hire a car from the CBD later on when you're settled in. There are lots of good companies around, from budget hire to top of the range cars.
Auckland Airport DeparturesWhen departing Auckland International Airport for overseas destinations you used to have to pay a departure tax. This was NZ$25 inc. tax and was payable by every international passenger except for those in transit for less than 24 hours and children under 12 years old. However, I'm sure you'll be happy to learn that since 1 July 2008 you will no longer have to pay the departure fee.
So no more queueing at Travelex, just head for passport control and through to the departure area. Auckland International Airport has all the usual choice of excellent duty free shops, baby changing facilities, cafés and bars to keep you entertained while waiting to board.
Have a good flight. Be sure to visit Auckland again !
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